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Tuberculosis found at French elementary school

A case of tuberculosis has been confirmed at a French elementary school in Hamilton.

A student at l'école Notre-Dame in Hamilton is being treated for the illness. There is no ongoing risk to people attending or working at the school, says Dr. Ninh Tran, Hamilton's associate medical officer of health.

Hamilton Public Health Services is testing people who have close contact with the student, and sending letters home to parents, Tran said.

"Tuberculosis is a lung infection that can be spread to other people when they are in close, frequent contact with the sick person for a long period of time," he said.

"Each year in Hamilton, there are about 20 cases of active TB. For each case, an investigation is done to find out if others have been infected."

It's not surprising to see the illness at a school, Tran said.

"We have 20 cases a year, so from time to time, one of our 20 cases is going to be in a student at a school."

Staff and students at the Cumberland Avenue school who have questions can call a nurse at the TB Control Program at 905-540-6636 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday to Friday.